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 "I've been drivin' all night, my hand's wet on the wheel; there's a voice in my head that drives my heel....."
This line from the 1973 release Radar Love by Dutch band Golden Earring has been stuck in my brain for most of the Spring.
Three weeks ago it was 2400 miles round trip to Houston, last week 1800 to and from Shreveport, 3000 next week to South Florida, and then 1800 more to the NJ Shore in early June. Too bad I can't enroll in my own "frequent driver mileage rewards program."
I must be nuts to keep driving as far as I do to  sell an plant or two, but I guess we do what me must to quench the thirst of orchid hobbyists around the country. Thanks to all of you for helping to make these trips worthwhile for us.
You can make it worthwhile for yourself, too, by placing an orchid show pre-order and thus earning yourself a 10% discount on plants (as well as zero shipping charges!).
The Redlands show in Homestead, FLis coming up in a week and half, but I'm leaving this coming Monday (May 9th) for the show, so get your order in now for 1st class climate-controlled van transport! The link for the show info is below:
Redland International Orchid Festival May 13-14-15, 2011 Oak Hill Gardens will also be at the following shows in the next month or so, which also qualify for the 10% pre-order discount on plants. If you place your order a week before the show you will catch us before we leave. New Orleans Orchid Society Show June 3-4-5, 2011 
Shore Orchid Festival at Silva Orchids June 10-11-12, 2011  | |
Phalaenopsis bellina
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We have a very sweet special this month (just posted!) for Phalaenopsis species. See the box below for details.....
Also, now is the time to think about putting some of your plants outdoors. Liese analyzes this in her column at the bottom of the page. Check her out!
See you down the road!
Greg
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May Species Special
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Phalaenopsis
gigantea
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Phalaenopsis R' Us !
Oak Hill has been know for propagating and growing species for many years now. One of the areas in which Hermann has had the most success in the laboratory is in the area of species Phalaenopsis. The stud collection he has accumulated over the years is yielding some great progeny.
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Phalaenopsis tetraspis
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This month we are featuring seven of his Phal species for special prices. These plants usually sell for $10-12, but this month they can be had for as low as $7.00 each. As usual, the more you buy, the more you save.
Check out the May Phalaenopsis Special at the link below:
May Phalaenopsis Species Special
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Phalaenopsis
mannii v. aurea
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Growing Tip of the Month - by Liese
| |  Outdoor Growing - Help or Hindrance?
As soon as a few warm days of spring appear, we quickly move our outdoor patio set back into place so that we can sit outside and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine of spring. Just breathing in the sweet, warm smells of spring seem to rejuvenate us and make us appreciate the beauty that surrounds.
Many orchids also are "rejuvenated" by growing outside during the spring and summer months. They love the warm breezes and light rains. They also enjoy the extra sulight they get, as well as the slightly cooler evenings. All these things help to make the orchids grow strong and healthy. The stronger the new leaves and roots grow, the better the plant will flower.
When choosing a spot outside to grow your orchids, make sure it is protected from both the hot, mid-day sun and extreme wind and rain. Orchids grow best in heavy shade outdoors, as the direct sun is extremely hot and can quickly cause tissue damage. Also, if it is a rainy year, make sure your orchids are protected from constant moisture. They must be allowed to dry between waterings, so that root rot does not occur. If it is a very hot and dry summer, misting or even watering daily may be required. Follow the same watering guideline as in-home care.....allow your plants to dry out between watering. This may be once-a-day or once-a- week, depending on humidity, media, temperature, rainfall and any other unique factors present in the growing area.
Bugs, squirrels, birds, cats, raccoons, grasshoppers, Japanese beetles and other creepy-crawlers can also affect your growing outside. Watch your plants carefully for damage to both new root and plant growth when moving your plants back indoors in fall. A systemic insecticide may be used to kill ants and other insects that may have made their home in the pots of your orchids.
Very small, miniature orchids, extremely young plants, or varieties requiring very specific watering, temperatures, or light may prefer to be indoors in a more controlled environment. Remember, outdoor growing has many variables that you cannot control, i.e. night temperature, rain, sun, wind, animals, bugs, heat and humidity.
Spring is a beautiful time of year. Orchids look forward to their growing season almost as much as we look forward to the warm sunny days. Providing a sheltered growing area outdoors for some of your orchids can prove to be a rewarding prospect when their strong new growth provide you with blooms to enjoy.
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More than ever we are grateful for your business! Please don't forget about us over the summer!
Sincerely,
Greg, Liese and Hermann |
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